ARmy Rumour SErvice

**JoeCivvie** · 23-04-2012, 15:58

So given the state of the defence budget, is it actually feasible to parachute from a hang-glider?

**Bouillabaisse** · 23-04-2012, 16:12

Originally Posted by roadster280

And they do that by assaulting an unopposed DZ, 50 miles from the objective, which is then taken by helicopter assault? I'd have more faith if they'd parachuted into South Cerney's airfield, Wokka'd in a couple of Landrovers, trashed the fence to the main camp and then driven amok thunderflashing every building on camp. The Postie RSM would have had an apoplexy.

So, the following people got to train and practice their skills:

RAF C130 crew
Paras
Helicopters types
Infantry
Who ever planned all this stuff
Posties (presumeably training for an Admin Box/Rourke's Drift scenario)

Sounds like a good all round exercise.

**sunnoficarus** · 23-04-2012, 16:15

Originally Posted by A2_Matelot

Crab aircrew don't like clouds...far better to fly under them in VFR!

Nah, they flew IFR - I Follow Roads.

**Fred_Frog_1987** · 24-04-2012, 14:40

I don't suppose they levelled South Cerney by any chance?

**Alec_Lomas** · 24-04-2012, 15:40

Originally Posted by JoeCivvie

So given the state of the defence budget, is it actually feasible to parachute from a hang-glider?

I know it's not a serious question but your answer in a word is - yes. Well to be accurate it was from a motorised hang glider. The pilot experiences one of those 'never again you mad twat' moments as the vehicle's trim and sudden loss of nine stones of airborne fury leaves him wrestling with the controls, or such such technical action. Good fun though.

**fu2** · 24-04-2012, 16:32

Originally Posted by Bouillabaisse

Just because a capability hasn't been used in a while .

like nearly 60 odd years

**vampireuk** · 24-04-2012, 16:34

Originally Posted by sunnoficarus

"…The parachute jump was an overhead assault, which sees troops carrying light equipment and weapons jumping from C130s flying at only 600ft (182m).…"
[/I]

If they took the bedicopter they would have hit been on the ground even sooner, none of this waiting 600 feet lark.

**chocolate_frog** · 24-04-2012, 19:58

What happens when 5Scots take over as lead BG in the ABTF? Do they go out the back in plts, whilst sat in the 'Alton Tower chairs' bolted to MSPs?

**Outstanding** · 25-04-2012, 16:32

Originally Posted by Fred_Frog_1987

I don't suppose they levelled South Cerney by any chance?

Look it was either enough hours and fuel for the ac or training ammunition.

In short no, once they surrounded the enemy, they all got on the bus and were back in Colchester just in time for tea and medals.

**Outstanding** · 25-04-2012, 16:34

Originally Posted by chocolate_frog

What happens when 5Scots take over as lead BG in the ABTF? Do they go out the back in plts, whilst sat in the 'Alton Tower chairs' bolted to MSPs?

They will be disbanded before then leavingthe elite to take the significant strain of remaining as the lead ABTF. This is not an small job and requires hours of waiting around watching sky news, just in case something happens - anywhere.